Cultivate is always a good time of the year to reflect on recently built greenhouse projects and the overall state of the market. After two busy days, we draw the conclusion that there are a lot, many and even more things happening in the North American greenhouse industry.... the greenhouse manufacturers, builders and installers can hardly keep up with the demand.
This has to do with a few reasons. On the one hand there is still the increasing demand for locally grown produce and plants. On the other hand there is the medical and recreational marijuana boom in the U.S. and Canada. Accompanied with a lot of demand for greenhouse supplies and materials in other parts of the world, internationally active manufacturers can hardly keep up with the demand.
This was also reflected by the atmosphere at the trade show floor, where companies spoke of record breaking sales over the last few years. "Everyone is busy, some projects are put on hold, we simply do not have the people or supplies available", an exhibitor informed us. "We are even so busy that we cannot accept any new orders for 2018, it's done!"
After our Holiday Break, we will report on some interesting projects that we have heard about at Cultivate. Stay tuned!
Also on the new plant variety side, there is a lot of news to scoop in Columbus. Due to the addition of the new exhibition hall, more booth space became available and breeders did not shy away to exploit that new space to its fullest advantage. You can now spend a full day seeing tons of new stuff. Our editors have been busy to scout 'em all for you if you couldn't make it to Columbus! More about that later!
Come back to our website on Thursday to see all of the pictures that we shot at Cultivate '17. Both HortiDaily.com and FloralDaily.com will be back with an extensive photo recap!